Have you ever seen that "Army of One" commericial? This is one of them:



Well, according to this email I got from AdAge.com, the organization that created the presentation is being accused of overbilling by The Army:

CHICAGO (AdAge.com) -- Leo Burnett will pay $15.5 million to settle allegations that it overbilled the U.S. Army for work on its "Army of One" campaign, the Justice Department announced today. The suit was a result of whistle-blowing by two former Burnett employees. Among the allegations in the lawsuit, filed in 2004: Burnett was treating the work of its own internet unit as if it was performed by a third-party contractor, as well as inflating the costs of subcontractors it worked with, in order to increase its profits. Read the full story at http://adage.com/article?article_id=133588 -- Jeremy Mullman

Wow, and this from the organization of the Department of Defense, which is known for the $600 toilet!

On The Oakland BART Shooting By Police at Fruitvale Sta

The Oakland BART Police Fruitvale Station shooting was a horrifying act of an individual police officer that, upon reflection, went insane for a moment. I'm glad people had video cameras and used them. But I'm not happy with the state of the police in Oakland and the East Bay.

What the officer did to young Oscar Grant was shameful. If you look at the videos, the officer first drags Grant over the station floor then positions him against the ground, and then pulls out his gun slowly then shoots him, but then looks up as if to say "Oh, that was an accident."

It did not look that way.

This should prompt a major investigation into how police are trained and the backgrounds and attitudes of the people that are recruited and how they're trained. There's something wrong and where there's smoke,there's fire.

Now, Oakland Lawyer John Burris has introduced a $25 million lawsuit against the police department and BART, and given the look of the videos -- there are two with very clear angles -- the evidence is clear and hard to refute.

That police officer deliberately shot Oscar Grant.

NBC TODAY SHOW STICKS IT TO ANN COULTER - New York Post

More at the New York Post: “CONTROVERSIAL conservative Ann Coulter blew a gasket yesterday when the "Today" show abruptly canceled an appearance on the day her new book about the Obamas comes out.

The cancellation sparked reports that she had been "banned for life" from NBC and its two cable news networks.

Officially, NBC said that Coulter was bumped from the morning show because of "breaking news."

Behind the scenes, "Today" sources said they needed to make time for former British Prime Minister Tony Blair's mission to the Middle East and President-elect Barack Obama's new plan for an economic stimulus package.”

-- YEAH! And she's angry? So what? That's what she gets for building a career by saying and writing outlandish and tasteless words about people just because their politics are different from hers.

Those days are over -- I hope! Let Ann whine. I love it.

Barack Obama taps Leon Panetta to run CIA

More at chicagotribune.com: “WASHINGTON - President-elect Barack Obama has selected Leon Panetta, a former congressman with little experience on intelligence matters, to serve as the next director of the CIA, according to Democratic officials familiar with the decision.

The selection puts the prominent Democrat in charge of an agency that has been at the center of a storm of criticism in recent years, ranging from intelligence failures leading up to the Sept. 11 attacks to the aggressive tactics that were embraced in its aftermath.

Panetta, who was chief of staff to President Clinton, is regarded as a bright political operative and highly capable manager. But if confirmed by the Senate, he would be among the few directors in agency history with no prior experience at one of the nation's spy services.
”

-- Or was this a trial balloon to see how Senator Diane Feinstein would react? Whatever the case, she was not happy to have learned the news via the New York Times.

Roland Burris Ego On Display In Washington D.C.

More at chicagotribune.com: “WASHINGTON - Roland Burris and Democratic Party leaders headed toward a symbolic showdown at the door of the U.S. Senate on Tuesday as the former Illinois attorney general presses his claim to a disputed seat.

Burris said in an interview Monday evening that he intends to try to walk onto the Senate floor to be sworn in with incoming senators when the Senate convenes Tuesday despite declarations from party leaders that they will prevent the 71-year-old, longtime politician from entering the legislative body's ornate chamber.

The imagery of authorities stopping a graying African-American man at the threshold of political power promises to be a moment of high drama in a controversy that has joined the complicated politics of race with the sensational corruption scandal swirling around Gov. Rod Blagojevich. The governor, undeterred by criminal charges that he sought to sell the Senate seat vacated by President-elect Barack Obama, picked Burris last week.”

-- I can't understand the ego of a man like Roland Burris, who knows damn well he's not going to be confirmed or accepted by the Senate and is just opening up a major can of worms. Burris can't be that stupid, which leads me to think something else is up. What, I don't know.

What bothers me even more is that Burris seems to be doing it in the face of his "good friend" as he put it President-Elect Barack Obama. If he were Obama's good friend, he'd have elected not to be Blagojevich's designated selection. Something's afoot.

Top 10 NFL Coaching Carousel Plot Lines. Who Lands Where?

One week after Black Monday, there are still six head-coaching vacancies, two open G.M. jobs, and no real sense as to who’ll get any of the positions. Here are ten takes on this year’s jobs that have come open, those that haven’t, and those that apparently won’t.

read more | digg story

Oakland Police Officer Shoots Unarmed Man, Handcuffed Man

BART-Police who patrol the Bay Area's subway system came to break up a fight. They had a 22 year old man named Omar Grant in handcuffs and on the ground when an officer shot him point blank in the head.

read more | digg story

Steve Jobs says a hormone imbalance to blame for weight loss

A mere day before the big shindig at the Moscone, Steve Jobs has come clean about his much-discussed weight loss in a open letter to the Apple community, saying that a hormone imbalance is to blame.

read more | digg story

Update: Twitter blames celebrity hack on 'individual'

CNN anchor Rick Sanchez wasn't really high on crack this morning, and the reason his Twitter feed said so wasn't the phishing scam that's been going around--it was a lone hacker, the microblogging service said later on Monday.

read more | digg story

Today (January 5th) Is The Most Stressful Day Of The Year

Today is the most stressful day of the year, according to researchers. A combination of the cold weather, economic gloom and end to Christmas festivities will leave workers battling the January blues.

read more | digg story

Fox News TWITTER account hacked? or Bill O'Reilly is gay?

A few minutes ago the official Fox News Twitter account posted “Breaking: Bill O Riley is gay” (referring to the host of the popular Fox show O’Reilly Factor), right after a legitimate message about making turkey lettuce wraps.

read more | digg story

Al Franken Clear Winner, Schumer Says Should Be Seated

Minnesota Senate Candidate Democrat Al Franken has been declared the clear winner in that state's Senate race, but it seems Republicans want to tie it up in court. I can see why because Franken represents the real 60th Democratic seat if you count Senator Joe Liberman. Dems should push hard to make sure this happens for Franken.

Cheney on Face The Nation - Rule of Law, torture

VP Dick Cheney went down a slippery slope when cornered by CBS's Bob Schieffer in the matter of the use and subversion of the rule of law. Cheney came close to saying that it's ok to interpret the law differently in a time of war. Watch the video more than once.

The Bush Administration will have this kind of thinking as its legacy.

Stop Twitter Phishing Now!

"Phishing" is the act of sending a "safe" looking email that asks you to give out sensitive information: your username and password. That practice has found it's way to Twitter. Here's what you should do if it happens to you.

Choked-up Obama leaves Chicago - Chicago Breaking News

More at Chicago Breaking News: “Like many Americans, Barack Obama spent today getting things organized so he could head back to work after an extended holiday vacation.

But the president-elect's departure from Chicago's Midway Airport for a flight to Andrews Air Force Base brought with it some emotion, as he left behind an empty home and the city most associated with his historic political rise.

"I gotta say I choked up a little bit leaving my house today," he told reporters aboard a military aircraft that transported him to Washington.”

Israeli Women Againist Muslim Protesters in Chicago

Gov. Bill Richardson Steps Down As Obama's Commerce Secretary Designate

This breaking news, New Mexico Governor Bill Richardson annouced he was stepping down as President-Elect Barack Obama's Commerce Secretary Designate.  The reason given by the Washington Post is that in light of the matter of the Blagojevich Scandal, Richardson reconsidered the importance of an alledged "pay-to-play" investigation in New Mexico.  I learned the news from this email:

Richardson to withdraw as Commerce secretary
New Mexico governor cites pending investigation of business dealings
BREAKING NEWS
NBC News
updated 10:56 a.m. PT, Sun., Jan. 4, 2009
The Associated Press contributed to this report.
New Mexico Gov. Bill Richardson, tapped in December by President-elect Barack Obama to serve as secretary of Commerce, has withdrawn his name for the position, citing a pending investigation into a company that has done business with his state.

"Let me say unequivocally that I and my Administration have acted properly in all matters and that this investigation will bear out that fact," he said Sunday in a report by NBC News' Andrea Mitchell. "But I have concluded that the ongoing investigation also would have forced an untenable delay in the confirmation process."

A federal grand jury is investigating how a California company that contributed to Richardson's political activities won a lucrative New Mexico state contract.

A person familiar with the proceedings has told The Associated Press that the grand jury is looking into possible "pay-to-play" dealings between CDR Financial Products and someone in a position to push the contract through with the state of New Mexico.

Richardson said he plans to continue in his role as governor. "I appreciate the confidence President-elect Obama has shown in me, and value our friendship and working partnership. I told him that I am eager to serve in the future in any way he deems useful. And like all Americans, I pray for his success and the success of our beloved country."

Obama said Sunday he accepted Richardson's decision to withdraw with 'deep regret.'

"Governor Richardson is an outstanding public servant and would have brought to the job of Commerce Secretary and our economic team great insights accumulated through an extraordinary career in federal and state office," Obama said.

Richardson, 61, was United Nations ambassador and energy secretary during the Clinton administration, and he is in his second term as New Mexico's governor. He also served seven terms in the House of Representatives.

If he had been confirmed by the Senate as secretary of Commerce, he would have taken over a sprawling department that oversees the National Weather Service, the Census Bureau, economic development programs and more.

One of the nation's most prominent Hispanic politicians, Richardson had pledged at the time of his nomination -- in English and Spanish -- to work to renew the economy.

Obama on Sunday gave no indication whom he might name to replace Richardson as the nominee but said "we must move quickly to fill the void left by Governor Richardson's decision."

My take is it's better this happened now rather than go forward into what could be an embarassing Senate confirmation battle.  Now, the question is who should Obama select to take Richardson's place.  I think that person should be more of an economic technocrat than a politician.  More later.  

What Israel doesn't want you to see - video

I found this video by YouTuber "Orgueluse" who reports:

"This video clip was taken with a mobile camera immediately after a terrorist Israeli air strike hit a busy market where kids with their mothers and fathers were searching for food to eat from one of the local markets early on Saturday 03, Jan 2009, Gaza.

As you will see, there are no words to describe the terror of the Jewish state of Israhell. This is why Israel is continuously refusing to allow foreign correspondence and reporters from entering Gaza.
Please spread the video widely. Let the world see what their news TV channels won't show about reality of Israel. (YouTube deleted the video minutes after it was uploaded, but it is worth trying again)."

-- I'm a supporter of Israel, but not in this case. The strikes are horrible and on a massive scale. It's as if they're trying to exterminate the culture. I hope YouTube does not remove this video. People need to see it.

Senator Harry Reid on 'Meet the Press' Sunday - Politics: The Early Line - Las Vegas Sun

More at Las Vegas Sun: “WASHINGTON -- Tune in Sunday morning when Senate Majority Leader Harry Reid is scheduled to be a guest on “Meet the Press” as the 111th Congress is about to begin.

Reid is expected to discuss the economic stimulus package Congress hopes to have passed and waiting for President-elect Barack Obama shortly after he’s sworn in Jan. 20, his own re-election campaign as well as the escalating drama over Obama’s successor in the Senate.”

I Predict President Obama Will Remove Roland Burris By Executive Order

12challenge: I Predict Obama Will Remove Burris on 12seconds.tv

This is my 12Second.tv prediction challenge: President Barack Obama will remove Roland Burris, Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich's selection for the Senate, by Executive Order.  It would be a controversial move, but the result would be the order would be passed to Congress perhaps by Burris himself to override the order, then Congress itself would go along with Obama and approve the order under the argument that Burris position and appointment was not by the will of the people of Illinois but done by a Governor who was under indictment for attempting to sell the seat. 

$1 Million In Revenue In 2009: Zennie's New Year Resolution

As bold as that is and as hard as this economy is in general, my objective is $1 million in revenue. With our blogs, online games, and videos and social networks. We can do it. If I get $1 more than 2008, cool. I tried.

Happy New Year! - Zennie Abraham | Zennie62 On "12Second.tv"

Hey everyone!  I just joined this really cool site called "12Seconds.tv" where you can make a video comment in just, well, 12 seconds.  Here's my first post:


Happy New Year! on 12seconds.tv

12Seconds is a lot like Twitter, but a video version.   The idea is to give video updates of what you're doing or the news, or whatever.  It's push button easy to do and perfect for on-the-go vlogging.  Check out my channel! (Don't know what's up with my photo not appearing, though!) 

Lark Previn: MIA FARROW'S DAUGHTER DIES CHRISTMAS DAY - New York Post

More at New York Post: “A weeping Mia Farrow tenderly placed a hand on the coffin of adopted daughter Lark Previn yesterday after services at a Brooklyn church for the mother of two who died Christmas Day.

Previn, 35, adopted as an orphaned Vietnamese infant by Farrow and her then-husband, conductor Andre Previn, in 1973, died at New York Methodist Hospital in Brooklyn. No cause of death was given.

Farrow, 63, and Previn, who also adopted daughters Daisy Previn from Vietnam and Soon-Yi Previn from Korea, and had three biological children, divorced in 1979.

Andre Previn, 79, was among mourners saying a final goodbye to Lark yesterday at St. Saviour's Church in Park Slope.

Although the cause of her death was not disclosed, in 1998, then-husband Christopher McKinzie claimed to Star magazine that Lark became infected with the AIDS virus from a tattooist's dirty needle.”

Online Reputation Management | Online Marketing | SBSON

SBSON.com -- How do you look in a search? Do you like what you see? Are you even visible? Is there a search result you don't like? Or do you have a great website that no one can find on Google or Yahoo? We can all of change that for you.

SBS-ON is based on Sports Business Simulation's six years of experience in building our own visibility on the web and with a shoestring budget. We've consistently hit keyword targets we established for our needs, literally taken over entire search engine listings, created email campaigns, established and run over 100 online communities and used multiple platforms to achieve our overall marketing and "buzz-building" objectives. We call it "Online Reputation Management."

Now we can bring affordable Online Reputation Management and Online Marketing consulting services to you.

Kathy Griffin on CNN "Knock the Dicks out of your Mouth" Open Mic

Well, with Kathy Griffin, CNN and Anderrson Cooper seemed to know what they were getting into because the CNN commericial promoting their coverage of New Year's Eve had Cooper commenting "Now you're not going to get me fired, are you?" Or words to that effect.

Well, Kathy Griffin's famous mouth got CNN a lot of attention as she screamed to a heckler "Knock the Dicks out of your Mouth".

It's totally classic. You have to watch the video to the end.

Israel Bomb kills Nizar Rayyan, Senior Hamas Figure In Gaza- 01 Jan 09 AlJazeera

This is from Aljazeera and captures the horror of the Israel attacks on Gaza. The Israeli government claims this move is necessary to protect itself from Hamas, but the killing of kids and civilians is turning much of the World against the action.

My fear is this will cause an Arab response that will lead to more civilian deaths.

JibJab - 2008 Year In Review

I love this video and JibJab's work has only become more coordinated and complex as it's following has grown. The video's perhaps the best 2-minute-plus year end review I've seen to date.

Roland Burris: Reid Blasts Blagojevich For Making Pick

Roland Burris From Huffington Post: Senate Democratic Leader Harry Reid released a statement today in response to reports that Illinois Governor Rod Blagojevich will nominate Roland Burris to fill the vacant Illinois Senate seat, calling the move "truly regrettable" and "unfair." Earlier this month, all 50 members of the Senate Democratic Caucus called on Blagojevich to step down and under no circumstance make an appointment to fill the seat.

STATEMENT FROM ERIC MANGINI:

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

STATEMENT FROM ERIC MANGINI:

Former New York Jets Head Coach

I appreciate the opportunity that Woody and Mike gave me for the past three years as the head coach of the New York Jets. The organization has terrific people and I wish the Jets nothing but success. The time and effort invested by the coaches and players was tremendous and I value that beyond words. We worked hard to achieve two winning seasons out of the past three. I regret that we could not reach our goals for this year. I will always appreciate the passion and support of the fans as our focus was trying to build them a championship-caliber foundation and team.


What do you think he's trying to say here??

FARC-EP give Full support to Rafael Correa and its governmen

FARC (Revolutionary Armed Forces of Colombia), the same terrorist organization that kidnapped Ingrid Betancourt, gave their full support to Ecuador's President and Columbian documents support this video.

From the article:

"BOGOTA, March 2 (Reuters) - Colombia said on Sunday documents found in a camp in Ecuador where Colombian troops killed a top guerrilla boss showed ties between the FARC rebels and Ecuadorean President Rafael Correa, including contacts about political proposals and local military commanders.

FARC rebel commander Raul Reyes was killed inside Ecuador in an army operation that has fueled tensions between Washington ally Colombia and neighbors Venezuela and Ecuador, where leftist leaders are fiercely opposed to U.S. proposals.

Police Commander Gen. Oscar Naranjo said documents found in computers belonging to Reyes showed contacts between a Correa government minister, Gustavo Larrea, and the FARC commander to discuss political proposals and projects on the frontier.

"The questions raised by these documents need concrete answers," Naranjo said. "What is the state of relations between Ecuador's government and a terrorist group like the FARC.""

Correa's ties are to be questioned as anti-human rights at best. He's also closely linked to Venezualan President Hugo Chavez.

More info in the update to come.

Zbigniew Brzezinski Says Joe Scarborough Is "Stunningly Superficial"

This is a classic find by The Young Turks, and has Zbigniew Brzezinski totally embarassing MSNBC's Joe Scarborough regarding the peace talks and Arafat's involvement. Zbigniew Brzezinski asserts correctly that the peace talks stopped under George W. Bush, but Joe says that Bush had nothing to do with the matter of the terrible mid-east situation. A total error at the least. Watch Zbigniew Brzezinski take on Joe in this video.

Multinational Monitor Erroneously Lists Ford Foundation's Community Friend Chevron as One Of 2008 Worst Corporations

It seems the Multinational Monitor has a habit of writing incorrect and critical news about American Corporations that support it. Support it? With a budget of over $1 million, it doesn't come from people on the street. But it takes that money from corporations and uses it to incorrectly shame them.

This is certainly true with Chevron, the company the "non-profit" organization publication owned by Essential Information, a firm founded by Ralph Nader, who's not involved with it as of this writing. It is Essential Information that receives a grant from The Ford Foundation, which in turn has recognized Chevron as a good company in the matter of community investment in America.

So what does the Multinational Monitor accuse Chervon of that makes it "so bad"? It's attempt to throw out a baseless lawsuit against it by Ecuador regarding oil wells that the country itself is responsible for taking care of and has been for almost 20 years.

Multinational Monitor and Robert Weissman, who made the list, should take Chevron off of it.

JETS NEED A COACH THAT FITS

JETS NEED A COACH THAT FITS
by TJ Rosenthal-Football Reporters Online

Woody Johnson and GM Mike Tannenbaum have both expressed their desire for a coach that would better fit the direction of the franchise from this day forward. Most Jet fans agree with this assessment. So, after 48 years of dreary football, Jan 12 1969 aside, I've compiled a list of people that truly fit the franchise as it exists today: A team with a 39 year old interception happy quarterback in limbo, a top 5 draft pick who had one more tackle than the kicker this season, and a team that at 8-3, couldn't beat a 2 win team down the stretch in order to control their own destiny.

1-Fireman Ed: Ed has seen more bad football and poor coaching decisions first hand than any human being alive or dead in the history of mankind. His experience alone will provide him with the knowledge of what NOT to do. That's a plus. A major plus. Not to mention, he can jump on players' shoulders during TV timouts to start the Jet chant through the stadium to get the crowd going. His charming lovable clown like demeanor is far and away the best fit going forward.

2-Joe Namath. Why has Broadway Joe, the only Jet that any Jet fan can speak proudly about , never been approached about this position? HE'S THE ONLY JET WHO HAS EVER WON! HE EVEN GUARANTEED IT! Ok ok, he had that sideline incident with Suzi what's her name a few years back. Tried to make out with her during an interview as the Jets were getting blasted by the Pats. You see though, THATS what the Jets need. A little flair. Even in a loss, Joe is gonna make it interesting, get a few phone numbers , wear a mink coat. No better yet , Woody can peel off the Namath jersey that the owner himself licks like a stamp every Sunday on the field level wall and let Joe wear it. This way if Vinny Testaverde, who I'm assuming the Jets will re sign in the offseason to get younger at the position, throws an interception, Broadway Joe can put himself in and try and rally the team late. If Ed turns down the job Woody, offer it to Namath.

3-George Bush. He'll be out of work in a few weeks and could bring a no nonsense attitude to the sidelines. Dick Cheney could run the offense, The Jets would throw bombs on every play. Donald Rumsfeld could run the defense. The Jets would blitz on every down. Even during tv timeouts. They wouldn't even wait for opposing teams to bring their offense onto the field at times and would pre emptively blitz the sidelines. They'd have blitzing players hit trainers, sideline reporters, flip over the benches and heaters. Now this would be a return to the old Oakland Raiders style of football in the early Seventies, but it worked for the Silver and Black. Not a bad move if the Jets brass feel that the collapse was due to the fact that the team got "soft" down the stretch.

4-Greg Gumbel. Just to get the boring sleepy guy out of the booth and no longer doing Jet games, let's put Gumbel where he belongs, with the sleepy Jets on the sidelines. They can take midday kindergarten naps together. No, they can take Sunday 3 hour naps together. Gumbel will wait until kickoff then order the team to find their cubby partner, a place on the turf, and rest. After getting a hold of old games on DVD and listening to Dick Enberg, Keith Jackson and Howard Cosell provide play by play, I can't believe this marriage has gone on as long as it has. Actually , I can. So hiring Gumbel as head coach, may the only way to cut ties. This option may be a more honest match energy wise, to what we saw towards the end in 2008 on the field anyway.

5-Frank TV: The guy is a comedian. Imitates everyone. He's hilarious. While the Jets are blowing another game, or another season, Woody can force the stadium scoreboard camera operator to cut to our new head coach doing some of those imitations he does during EVERY commercial break. Franks hiring will certainly keep the drunk, moronic fan base which includes me, distracted enough in order to lessen the Bon Jovi concert -like decibel level of those "Lets go Dolphins chants," that echoed through the Meadowlands on Sunday.

These are the 5 truly best suited, truly the best FIT for the state of the Jets. a franchise that can't escape the vicious cycle of disarray and disappointment.

Sarah Palin's Daughter Bristol Gives Birth to Son But What Does He Look Like? | ajc.com

More from ajc.com: “ANCHORAGE, Alaska — The daughter of former vice presidential candidate Sarah Palin has given birth to a son, a magazine reported Monday.

Bristol Palin, 18, gave birth to Tripp Easton Mitchell Johnston on Sunday, People magazine reported online. He weighed 7 pounds, 4 ounces. Colleen Jones, the sister of Bristol’s grandmother, told the magazine that “the baby is fine and Bristol is doing well.”

-- But everyone wants to know if the Baby has even a hint that the father may be black!? I talked about this in my video on Kevin, who claimed he was the father of the child and is Black .

Three NFL Teams Fire Head Coaches - Eric Mangini Gone?

From the AP: The Detroit Lions, Cleveland Browns and New York Jets wasted no time in firing their head coaches just one day after the 2008 NFL regular season ended. (Dec. 29)

-- I'm surprised that Eric Mangini got the axe after just three years. I think one more year would have been in the offing. The Jets are just building a good nucleus of talent, but I'm also not one who was in favor of Chad Pennington's being traded to the Dolphins.

Who gains from Gaza crisis?

From Russia Today:

"Israel has pledged to fight Hamas to the death. Defence Minister Ehud Barack has said that the ongoing air strikes on Gaza are a war to the bitter end against Hamas militants. Four Israelis and 360 Palestinians have been killed since the attacks began on Saturday. Many in Israel are asking why now. Hamas, they say, has been firing Qassam rockets at them for eight years.

Questions are now being asked about whether the war is linked to Israeli elections, due to be held in six weeks. The early poll was called after Prime Minister Ehud Olmert was charged with corruption."

-- Wow. If all of this was a political stunt it was one of the dumbest most self-serving acts in World political history. The act of Prime Minister Ehud Olmert could light the fuse for a small World War and destablize our economy even more. All for a stupid Israeli election? You're kidding.

Michelle Obama, Joe Biden, Hillary Clinton - DNC Memories

This is a video of the moments leading to the historic speech of Hillary Rodham Clinton and includes First Lady Michelle Obama next to VP Elect Joe Biden.

HILLARY CLINTON INTRO VIDEO

I was on the floor at the Democratic National Convention when this movie was played before a paoked house. With all the frenetic action I never really "saw" the video until now. It's well done and served the purpose of presenting the history and character of our next Secretary of State in an entertaining way.

Zennie Abraham's Take On Seesmic and Twitter, on Seesmic

My video response to Loic LeMeur's video posted over at Seesmic, where he asserts Seesmic will not be like Twitter!  I am happy because I feared another "go" at the whole "Authority" subject.  Yikes!

Turks protest Israeli assault in Gaza

From the YouTuber hobarell:

"Protests were held throughout Turkey on Sunday against the Israeli weekend attack on Hamas in Gaza. Following Saturday's massive rally against Israel in Istanbul, irate pro-Palestinian supporters held rallies in the Turkish provinces of Van and Konya as well as a major rally after the noon prayers in Istanbul. Also, the Turkish Red Crescent Society dispatched ten truckloads of humanitarian relief to Gaza on Sunday.

(ANKARA) Trucks carrying humanitarian aid, interview with director of Turkish Red Crescent Society's Ankara branch (in Turkish), trucks departing

(VAN) Protesters carrying banners and pictures of the slain Palestinians, protesters chanting slogans, "Salute to Hamas, Keep Resistance"

(KONYA) Demonstrators burning Israeli flag, calling for "retaliation" against Israel

(KONYA) Demonstrators carrying pictures of Hamas leaders, demonstrators chanting slogans "Down with Israel," a young boy shouting slogans and crying,

(ISTANBUL) Shots of the large crowd at Beyazit Square, the crowd carrying Palestinian flags shouting anti-Israeli slogans, details"

-- Just an example of the immediate and load displeasure expressed around the World and especially in the Arab community.

MEET THE PRESS FULL VIDEO: David Gregory, Dave Axelrod, The Economy

Visit msnbc.com for Breaking News, World News, and News about the Economy

Ok, I've gotten over my dismay at NBC's decision to select long-time White House Correspondent David Gregory over the newcomer Rachel Maddow, and have thus ended my self-emposed embargo on posting of the Meet The Press Videos.


Today, we have Obama Special Advisor Dave Axelrod being interviewed by Dave Gregory, and by all accounts he did well. But I disagree with the notion that the tax cut will be enough. I thinkk giving each taxpayer below $100,000 a $3,500 check would dramatically boost this economy and buy time for the other more long term programs to take effect.

Linda Fiorentino and Mark Rossini: LAST SEDUCTION OF THE G-MAN - New York Post

More at the New York Post: “
The film was "The Last Seduction," but those who know Linda Fiorentino say the character that made her famous isn't far from the actress' own life. And in the real-life story, the "she done him wrong" role is played by her FBI-agent boyfriend, Mark Rossini.

The former G-man, 47, turned in his badge several weeks ago for accessing agency files on the case of private investigator Anthony Pellicano without authorization and pleaded guilty to five misdemeanor counts.

So far, the only connection between Rossini - who faces jail time but may only receive probation under a plea deal - and Pellicano is Fiorentino, who had an obsession with the Pellicano case, the former agent's friends say.”

-- Art imitates life? I wonder to what degree Fiorentino's roles impacted her real life in this case?

Blagojevich Investigators Won't Subpoena Obama Aides - FOXNews.com

More at FOXNews.com Transition Tracker: “CHICAGO -- The Illinois House committee investigating a possible impeachment of Gov. Rod Blagojevich won't subpoena two incoming White House advisers, the committee chairwoman said Saturday, shutting down a request from the governor's attorney.

In a letter received by the committee Friday, U.S. Attorney Patrick Fitzgerald asked the special investigative committee specifically to not subpoena President-elect Barack Obama adviser Valerie Jarrett, incoming chief of staff Rahm Emanuel, U.S. Rep. Jesse Jackson Jr. and Nils Larsen, a Tribune Co. executive vice president.

Fitzgerald said any such subpoenas "would interfere with the ongoing criminal investigation into the activities of Governor Rod Blagojevich and others."”

-- To me this is evidence that it was a member or members of the Obama camp that "outted" Blago to begin with. They're being protected and rightly so. Blago should not have disrespected the President-Elect with his behavior.

Planes landing at Hong Kong Kai Tak Airport 香港 啟德機場 Compilation 1

This is a disaster waiting to happen. I can't believe how low these planes fly over this hyper-urban Hong Kong or that nothing -- no crash -- has ever happened. But what about near misses?

How To Get More Women to Be Video Bloggers

There's an idea out there that there are more male than female video-bloggers and an anecdotal scan would seem to confirm that. My video explains how we can change that by encouraging women to vlog, and protecting them from harm and harrasment online to the extent that's possible. Here's the iReport version .

Republican candidate Chip Saltsman Distributes Racist Obama song

More at TheHill.com: “RNC candidate Chip Saltsman’s Christmas greeting to committee members includes a music CD with lyrics from a song called “Barack the Magic Negro,” first played on Rush Limbaugh’s popular radio show.

Saltsman, a personal friend of conservative satirist Paul Shanklin, sent a 41-track CD along with a note to national committee members. ”

-- And the Republicans wonder why they lost the election?

Israel expels UN rights envoy Richard Falk - Dec 17 08

From AlJazeera English:

"The United Nation's top human rights official has condemned Israel's expulsion of Richard Falk, the UN's special rapporteur on human rights in the Palestinian Territories, from the country, calling it "unprecedented" and "deeply regrettable. Al Jazeera's Ghida Fakhry spoke to Falk about his expulsion and the potential repercussions."

Another example of Perez hard-line war-like stance. Not a good pattern of behavior here.

Raw Video: Israel Strikes Hamas

This attack reported by the AP here:

"Israeli aircraft have struck Hamas security compounds across Gaza in an unprecedented series of simultaneous strikes. Hamas reports dozens of people were killed. The first strikes came just after noon. (Dec. 27)"

was unexpected, and tests American support of Israel. There are 225 dead and it comes as Israel had said it would not carry out such an operation.

Israeli President Shimon Peres lied because he said Israel had no plans to do such a thing, but have stepped forward and done it. With no advanced warning.

Obama's saying nothing at this point, but he's right to do so: Bush is the president -- he could, of course, step down. But we still have the old Congress to deal with still.

Regardless, Perez must be held in check. If I were Obama, I would wait, then use my friends to cause him to fall in line once I were President, then back their actions.

12/24/08 President-elect Barack Obama's Weekly Address

President-Elect Obama gave a great presentation on Christmas Eve, and I've noticed that he's adjusted his suit since I pointed out the problem the first time! At any rate, Obama asked us to think about those who we pay our tax dollars to who are fighting for America, whether we like the war or not. He also turns attention to the economic problems at home, which call for trillions to solve.

Gov Blago's lawyer asks panel to subpoena Obama staff

More at SFGate.com : “In a move intended to force public testimony from President-elect Barack Obama's inner circle, a lawyer for Gov. Rod Blagojevich has asked the legislative panel considering impeachment of the governor to subpoena more than a dozen witnesses, including Obama's incoming chief of staff.”

-- Blago knows where the bodies are buried, but not with Obama's people. Things will get interesting when -- and if -- Blago turns to the Illinois legislature in the other issues surrounding the ethics charges.